Chapter History
The Columbus Chapter was one of the first ten original chapters of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. Founded in 1945, the Columbus Chapter was the 8th chapter established in the national organization, and the original chapter that began the Mid-Western Region.
Edna Mapp was our first chapter president. Charter members included: Mary Anderson, Myrna Beatty, Constance Bruce, Louise Colston, Inez Dillard, Lula Evans, Marie Kent, Constance King, Phoebe Layton, Mary Reid and Variah Thomas.
We are proud to have two national presidents from the Columbus Ohio Chapter: Eleanor DeLoach Brown and Dr. Alberta Turner, who also served as the natiional vice president. Other national officers include Constance Bruce who served twice as national corresponding secretary.
Columbus, Ohio was home to the Jack and Jill of America Foundation, Inc until 2004, when it was relocated to Washington, DC. Lucille Hadley, a past regional officer and former member of the Columbus Ohio Chapter, previously served as the Executive Director. A student from the Columbus Ohio Chapter designed the new logo that was adopted at the annual board meeting in San Diego, California in 1998.
The Columbus Ohio Chapter has hosted many regional and national conventions, conferences and clusters:
Edna Mapp was our first chapter president. Charter members included: Mary Anderson, Myrna Beatty, Constance Bruce, Louise Colston, Inez Dillard, Lula Evans, Marie Kent, Constance King, Phoebe Layton, Mary Reid and Variah Thomas.
We are proud to have two national presidents from the Columbus Ohio Chapter: Eleanor DeLoach Brown and Dr. Alberta Turner, who also served as the natiional vice president. Other national officers include Constance Bruce who served twice as national corresponding secretary.
Columbus, Ohio was home to the Jack and Jill of America Foundation, Inc until 2004, when it was relocated to Washington, DC. Lucille Hadley, a past regional officer and former member of the Columbus Ohio Chapter, previously served as the Executive Director. A student from the Columbus Ohio Chapter designed the new logo that was adopted at the annual board meeting in San Diego, California in 1998.
The Columbus Ohio Chapter has hosted many regional and national conventions, conferences and clusters:
- The Columbus Ohio Chapter hosted the 2nd National Convention in April 1947. The theme was "The Responsibility of Jack and Jill Mothers". The convention opened with the full participation of all ten existing chapters.
- The Columbus Ohio Chapter hosted the Mid-Western Regional Teen Conference in 1966, 1976, and 1995. The Columbus Ohio Chapter hosted the 26th Mid-Western Regional Mothers' Conference in July 2009. The theme was "Standing onthe Promises to Our Children: Let's RISE".
- The Columbus Ohio Chapter hosted the 2011 Northern Ohio Children's Cluster at Sports Ohio in March 2011. The theme was "Cultivating Leadership through Health and Physical Fitness". Over 70 children participated in a program that included team sports, activities and a tween apprentice program.
- The Columbus Ohio Chapter hosted the 2014 OH/MI Regional Mother's Cluster in November 2014. The theme was "The Power of ME begins with WE".
Read more about our chapter as featured in Columbus Parent
programs
Programming is the heart of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. The activities and events we take part in each month enrich our lives, nurture our relationships, and benefit our communities. Family and children's activities stimulate growth and development, and aim to provide a constructive educational, cultural, civic, recreational and/or social experience.
Traditional Days of Observance
Traditional Days of Observance
- Carol Robertson Memorial Day honors the life of 14-year old Carol Robertson, victim of the Birmingham bombing at the 16th Street Baptist Church
- Jack and Jill Day celebration event reuniting members and their families after the summer break
- Founder's Day honors National Founder Marion Stubbs Thomas and recognizes charter members who established chapters all across the country.
- National Black Family Day celebrates the existence of the black family unit